Hikmat Adhikari

Balaju, Kathmandu. (977) 98496-45483 · [email protected]

Results-driven and detail-oriented Statisician, Data Analyst and MEAL Professional with over 7 years of progressive experience in data management, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning (MEAL), research, and information systems across diverse development and humanitarian programs. Skilled in designing and implementing MEL frameworks, managing digital data collection tools (ODK, Kobo Toolbox), and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses using NVivo, SPSS, STATA, R, and Excel. Proven track record of developing, maintaining MIS platforms, leading baseline assessments, field surveys, and data-driven reporting to inform strategic decision-making. Experienced in working with international development partners such as USAID, UNICEF, UNDP, and NSET across sectors including disaster risk reduction, education, housing reconstruction, and climate resilience. Strong expertise in sampling design, data visualization, and capacity building for local stakeholders. Holds an M.Sc. in Statistics and certifications in MEAL DPro, Python, R, and GIS. Committed to leveraging data to strengthen systems, drive program learning, and support sustainable development outcomes.

Professional Experience

Freelancer

April 2025 - Present

Data Analyst

ITAD-USAID Learning for Development Program
  • Supported the MEL team members to deliver high quality monitoring, evaluation and learning services by sourcing and analyzing data to answer key questions as required by USAID Nepal.
  • Managed the data acquired from primary and secondary sources, maintaining the database/data system required.
  • Managed the USAID DDL, USAID DI & USAID DEC platforms.
  • Provided quality assurance of the data (DQA Visits), sampling design, field survey, including data cleaning, processing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and report development.
    • December 2024 - March 2025

    MEAL Focal/Data Analyst/ Provincial Information Management Officer

    National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET)- Multiple Projects
  • Led the development and implementation of project-level Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks and work plans to ensure data-driven project execution.
  • Participated in project planning, budgeting, and quality improvement initiatives for effective program delivery.
  • Coordinated with field teams to implement MEL strategies, ,ensuring compliance with internal and donor-specific M&E standards.
  • Designed and rolled out custom M&E tools, reporting templates, and supervision plans for real-time tracking and decision-making.
  • Built capacity of field staff and partners through tailored training and mentorship
  • Maintained a project management reporting portal for data integration, visualization, and reporting.
  • Drafted and updated internal data policies aligned with data protection, privacy, and destruction protocols.
  • Contributed to the architecture and implementation of Integrated Management Information System (MIS),improving coordination, reporting, and visualization across projects.
  • Led historical data collection/validation covering 26+ years of projects and developed interactive dashboards for outcome tracking and performance comparison.
  • Conducted routine monitoring visits, established routine data quality assurance (RDQA) systems, and led quarterly and annual performance reviews for stakeholders.

    • Highlighted projects and roles under NSET:

  • USAID project "Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Systems for Resilience in Southern Nepal": Oversaw project implementation at provincial and local levels, contributed to M&E plan design, led baseline survey processes, and developed evidence-based selection methodology.
  • UNICEF's Safe School Program: Supported government and school capacity for climate-resilient education, implemented MEAL frameworks across 70 schools, created and managed data collection tools, and facilitated best-practice learning sessions.
  • Led large-scale survey digitization, data analysis, visualization, and report generation for post-disaster school assessments, managing data for 746 schools, 2,122 buildings, and 6,166 classrooms.
  • Managed assessment and reporting for UNDP-funded damaged public buildings project, including survey digitization, data analysis, visualization, and recommendations.
  • Provincial Information Management Officer for NHSRP/HRRP: Led data collection, analysis, and visualization at multi-levels, coordinated with stakeholders and maintained IM tools, delivered analytical reports and dashboards, and trained 200+ government officials on disaster response tools.
  • Data Analyst for Baliyo Ghar/HRTAP (USAID Funded): Updated M&E plans, designed and analyzed surveys, developed field manuals, produced visual data products, managed online data systems, and ensured compliance with reporting platforms.
    • December 2018 - November 2024

    Research/Liaison Officer

    Bikas Udhyami-Nepal in Data & Sunaulo Mauka Projects
  • Collected, compiled, and visualized secondary data from government agencies for web-based data portals (e.g., Geo Profile on nepalindata.com).
  • Assisted in developing/completing key indicators for national, provincial, and local coverage across major sectors.
  • Supported infographic development by organizing data and offering conceptual input for effective visual storytelling.
  • Mentored participants in the Data Poster Competition and led data analysis, visualization, and storytelling guidance for Open Data Day Nepal events.
  • Designed, implemented, and reported on surveys related to Nepali migrant workers in various countries, engaging with workers both online and in-person.
  • Oversaw online survey monitoring, performed data coding/cleaning/analysis, and contributed to comprehensive research reports.
  • Delivered workshops to over 120 youths across Nepal, promoting data literacy, visualization skills, and youth engagement in the local data ecosystem.
    • January 2018 - December 2018

    Field Enumerator and Data Encoder

    PHASE Nepal
  • Surveyed 155 informal waste workers via structured paper questionnaires, ensuring accurate and ethical data collection in Kathmandu Valley.
  • Reported field activity progress, drafted field summary reports, and performed data entry/validation to support research analytics and reporting.
    • November 2017 - January 2018

    Education & Academic Credentials

    Tribhuvan University (TU), Central Department of Statistics, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.

    M.Sc. in Statistics
  • Thesis: “Factors Attracting on Movie Preference of The Movie-Viewing Audience on Locally Produced Movies at Theatres in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.” (Based on Primary Data).
  • Project Work: “Youth Literacy Status in Nepal.” based on secondary data provided from CBS, 2011.
    • 2017

    Tri Chandra Multiple College, TU, Ghantaghar, Kathmandu

    B.Sc. in Statistics
    2009

    Notre Dame Higher Secondary School, Bandipur,Tanahun

    +2 Science (HSEB)
    2006

    Key Competencies & Technical Skills

  • Data Analysis & Visualization: SPSS, STATA, R, Python (basic), MS Excel, Power BI (basic), Tableau (basic), Metabase (basics), SQL (basic)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): MEAL planning, indicator tracking, baseline/midline/endline surveys, DQA, MIS
  • Digital Data Collection: Kobo Toolbox, ODK, Google Forms, MS Forms
  • Information Management Systems: USAID DIS, TraiNet, custom MIS platforms
  • Reporting & Communication: Dashboards, infographics, presentations, report writing (donors, government)
  • Training & Capacity Development: Designed and facilitated training sessions and capacity building workshops for government staff, partners, and community-level stakeholders
  • GIS & Mapping: Basic proficiency in QGIS
  • Languages: Nepali (native), English (fluent)
  • Professional Interests: Data-driven development, open data, data visualization, exploring and learning new tools, travelling

    • Certifications & Professional Development

    • Earthquake Hazard Assessment & Aftershock Forecasting – USGS, NSET, and ESS, funded by USAID/BHA (27 – 29 Feb 2024)
    • Tomorrow’s Cities Decision Support Environment (TCDSE) – Risk Agreement Module, Lumbini Province & Global Team (11-12 Oct 2023)
    • Training on Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Bagmati Province – ICIMOD & Pratibaddha 2, supported by USAID and NASA (16-17 May 2023)
    • MEAL DPro Certification: 4 weeks on-line Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning in Development Sector- Pyramid Learning (1-30 Oct 2023)
    • Master Training of Trainers (MToT) on BIPAD Portal Localization- NDRRMA & NHSRP, YIL (1-5 Sep 2021)
    • Virtual Training on Data Collection & Management – ADRRN & MapAction UK (Apr 2021 – May 2022)
    • Training on Implementation of GIS Reporting Requirements for USAID Partners – USAID MEL Activity Office, Kathmandu (16-17 & 26-28 Dec 2019)
    • Data Analysis with R (Tidyverse Boot Camp) – R Nepal (Sep 2019)
    • Python for Data Science Training Course: 2.5 Months – Broadway Infosys, Kathmandu (14 Aug – 8 Nov 2019)
    • Project Monitoring & Evaluation Training – Nepal Evaluation Society (27-29 May 2017)
    • STATA for Windows – Central Department of Statistics, TU (26 Mar – 13 Apr 2015)
    • SPSS for Windows – Central Department of Statistics, TU (9-19 Mar 2015)

    PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

    Publications:

  • Co-author of the paper “An analysis of use and effectiveness of communication channels, media and tools in post-earthquake private housing reconstruction in Nepal,” published in Progress in Disaster Science by Elsevier Ltd. (2021).(Open Access under CC BY-NC-ND license)

    • Research Contributions:

  • Study Team Member for the “Qualitative Study Report-Partners’ Perception on Role of Baliyo Ghar in Reconstruction” published by NSET.
  • Study Team Member for “A Report on Risk Perception Survey” published by NSET.
  • Study Team Member for “Baliyo Ghar Program-A Contribution Towards Disaster Resilient Nepal-Final Evaluation Report-September 2021” published by NSET.
  • Research Associate for the report “Report on the status of Nepali migrant workers in the key destination countries: Prospects of Earning and Working Environment” published by Bikas Udhyami.